4K, also called Ultra HD, has four times as many pixels as Full HD. On a large television the difference can be striking: finer detail, sharper edges and a picture that holds up when you sit close. Every link in the chain has to support it, though, or you end up watching a lower resolution without realizing it.

4K streaming quality is listed among our plan features. This guide explains what your own equipment needs so that 4K content can display as intended, with settings to check on Apple TV, Android TV boxes and Windows PCs.

An Important Note on 4K Content

A 4K setup shows 4K when the channel, movie or episode you are watching is offered in 4K. Content that is broadcast or provided in HD will still look like HD, even on a 4K screen. Your TV may upscale it, which can look very good, but it is not the same as native 4K.

The 4K Checklist

  • A 4K screen: a 4K TV, or a 4K monitor for a PC.
  • A 4K-capable device: an Apple TV 4K model, an Android box that supports 4K output, or a PC whose graphics support 4K.
  • An HDMI connection that supports 4K at both ends, using a cable rated for it.
  • Display settings on the device set to 4K output.
  • A home connection that can sustain high-quality video consistently.

Step 1: Confirm Your Screen

Check your TV model in its settings menu or on the label at the back, then look up its specifications in the manual. Some TVs support 4K only on certain HDMI ports, which are often labeled; if so, connect your streaming device to one of those.

Step 2: Check the Cable

Older HDMI cables may not carry a 4K signal reliably. If your device came with a cable, use it. Otherwise, choose a cable described as supporting 4K, and keep the run as short as practical.

Step 3: Set the Device Output

Apple TV

  1. Open Settings > Video and Audio.
  2. Select Format and choose a 4K option your TV supports.
  3. Review Match Content, which lets the Apple TV adapt its output to the video being played.

Only Apple TV 4K models output 4K. Check the model under Settings > General > About.

Android TV Box

  1. Open Settings and find Display or Display & Sound.
  2. Look for Resolution or Screen resolution.
  3. Choose a 4K option, or an automatic setting that detects your TV.

Not every Android box supports 4K output; the box specifications will tell you.

Windows PC

  1. Right-click the desktop and choose Display settings.
  2. Select the 4K monitor or TV if more than one display is connected.
  3. Set Display resolution to the recommended 4K value.

Step 4: Make the Connection Steady

4K video needs more data than HD, so a strong, consistent connection matters more. Where possible, connect the main TV device with a cable; our comparison of Ethernet vs Wi-Fi explains why. Reducing other heavy activity on your network while you watch also helps.

4K and HDR Are Different Things

TVs often advertise 4K and HDR together, but they describe different qualities. 4K is about the number of pixels, and therefore sharpness. HDR, or high dynamic range, is about brightness and color range, which affects how vivid highlights and dark scenes look. A TV can support one without the other, and a video can be 4K without being HDR.

If your TV and device support HDR, the Match Content options on Apple TV and similar automatic settings on some Android boxes let the device switch modes to suit what is playing. Leaving these on automatic is usually the simplest choice.

Screen Size and Seating Distance

The extra detail of 4K is most noticeable on larger screens and when you sit relatively close. On a small TV viewed from across a big room, the difference from HD can be subtle. That does not make 4K pointless, but it is worth knowing so your expectations match your room.

What About Phones and Tablets?

Phone and tablet screens are small, and their display resolution is the limit on what you see. They show a sharp picture, but 4K makes the biggest visible difference on a large TV.

Troubleshooting 4K Playback

The 4K Option Is Missing

The device may not detect 4K support. Try a different HDMI port or cable, and confirm both the TV and the device support 4K.

The Screen Goes Black After Switching to 4K

Wait for the setting to revert, then try another port or cable. Our black screen guide covers other causes.

4K Content Buffers

Higher quality needs a steadier connection. Work through the network checks in our guide to why IPTV keeps buffering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every channel in 4K?

No. 4K is shown when a specific channel or title is offered in 4K. Other content plays at its own resolution.

Do I need a special HDMI cable?

You need one that supports 4K. The cable supplied with a 4K streaming device is usually suitable.

Which device is best for 4K?

Any 4K-capable device in our guide can work. See our device comparison for help choosing.

How do I know my device is outputting 4K?

Check the resolution in the device display settings. Many TVs also show the incoming signal format when you press the info button on the TV remote.

Ready for Ultra HD

With the right screen, device, cable and settings, your setup is ready for 4K content. To get started, see our plans.